Make your meal an event

Set the table beautifully, light some candles, use dishes and cloth napkins. Realize that dining and eating are two very different things. Take the time to dine. Doing so will make you want to support such a lush experience with a homecooked meal, which is almost always healthier than "faster" food.

Slow down

Take the time to savor the food — and the company. Eating slowly will give your stomach time to signal when you are full, preventing you from overeating.

Take a sip for each bite

Not only will this slow you down (see number two), but will fill your stomach as well.

Choose wine with dinner over liquor

A good wine awakens your tastebuds — and it has fewer calories than liquor. Plus, there are tremendous benefits to very moderate wine drinking, as opposed to swilling Grey Goose martinis.

Rein in the dessert coffees

Tiny sips of a small espresso or cappuccino is the perfect way to end your meal. A large, sweet, syrupy Starbucks concoction smothered in whipped cream just doubles your calories for the meal. Stick with the real coffee, and your diet can even afford dessert!